Sleigh Of Toys: Juvenile Arthritis Sufferer Brings Toys To Fellow Patients

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 12-year-old boy in Rosemount is dealing with a painful condition, but it clearly hasn't affected his heart.

According to the CDC, juvenile arthritis affects 1 in every 250 children. Rosemount middle schooler Jarrett Michie was diagnosed on March 29, 2012.

Since then, once a month, Jarrett visits University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital to get an infusion.

"We're targeting a molecule, called TNF, that's overproduced in the joints," said his pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Rich Vehe, who sees Michie prior to his monthly infusions.

It was during his October infusion on Halloween that got the 12-year-old thinking. Jarrett is an outpatient at Masonic Children's Hospital, so when he learned he'd be getting his infusion on Dec. 24, the seventh-grader wanted to make sure he didn't show up empty handed.

"We asked Deena [his nurse] if it was a good idea to bring in toys, and she said, 'sure', so we did," Jarrett said.

"This was all he wanted for Christmas, he told me he didn't want anything but to give to the other kids at the hospital," said his mother Kim Michie.

"He's a pretty amazing kid," Vehe said. "He's cheerful and enthusiastic. He will report the problems he's having, but he doesn't whine about any of them."

The collection of toys soon filled the Michie family's dining room leading up to the donation: boxes and bags filled with games, trikes, stuffed animals, and even some handmade gifts.

"I know there's way more than 100," Jarrett said.

With the help of his friends, Jarrett's "Sleigh of Toys," was complete with stalking stuffers for patients of all ages. It appears Jarrett's Christmas wish that he shared with WCCO has most certainly come true.

"I want kids to open the presents and see what's inside and get really happy and have lots of cheers," said Michie, dressed in his superman T-shirt while getting his infusion.

All of the toys Jarrett delivered will be passed out on Christmas by Santa to families at University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. The hospital plans to save the extra toys for special occasions like birthdays.